New Delhi, March 17: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar as their first National Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) today.

As a National Advocate, Bhumi will support UNDP India's efforts to raise awareness and mobilize support for the SDGs, a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

Taking on the new role, Bhumi said, "I am honoured and privileged to be appointed UNDP India’s National Advocate for the SDGs. I believe it is our collective responsibility to ensure we leave behind a better world for future generations. The SDGs provide a roadmap for building a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all. I look forward to working with UNDP India to raise awareness about the SDGs and inspire people to take action."

Welcoming Bhumi as the National SDG Advocate, Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India, said, “I am thrilled to welcome Bhumi as our first-ever National Advocate for the SDGs. Her talent and dedication to gender equality and sustainability make her an ideal advocate for the Goals. I am confident that her advocacy will inspire many to take action towards a more equitable and sustainable world.”

Bhumi made her first appearance in her new role at the launch of the second edition of UNDP’s flagship magazine, Inspiring India. The second edition of the magazine is a tribute to the exceptional women of this country and their indomitable spirit to challenge the status quo, shatter stereotypes and make change happen.

Speaking at the launch, she said, “I am delighted to be a part of this magazine, joining the impressive women from businesses, sports, and grassroots. I believe women can change the world, and it's time to harness that power. Personally, I love playing women who challenge the status quo in society and change the lens of gender. I congratulate UNDP India on celebrating these changemakers who advocate for equality in their ways."

This edition of Inspiring India has a special message from the honourable President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu. It also features businesswomen and founders of Nykaa, Falguni, and Adwaita Nayar, para-badminton champion Manasi Joshi, captain of the Indian football team Sunil Chhetri, Ecofeminist and Padmashri Awardee Jamuna Tudu and UNDP India's Youth Climate Champion, Prajakta Koli.

“The second edition of Inspiring India is a tribute to the exceptional women of India and showcases their stories to the world. It is about women driving change and accelerating India's progress from healthcare to boardrooms. We are thankful to the honourable President of India – Smt. Droupadi Murmu for her special message in the magazine. We hope this edition will inspire men and women alike to give women the space they deserve,” said Ms. Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India launching the magazine.

Bhumi has been associated with UNDP India as the Women@Work Champion since 2022. She has raised awareness on issues such as women’s economic empowerment and gender-based violence, and climate action.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

About UNDP India

UNDP has worked in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development, from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. UNDP’s programmes fully integrate a global vision for catalytic change with India’s national priorities. With over 30 projects on the ground in almost every state, today, UNDP India works to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by transforming traditional models to do development differently.

For more information, please contact:

Ankita Bhalla

Communications Officer

ankita.bhalla@undp.org

Vidushi Mehrotra

Communications Associate — Strategic Engagements

vidushi.mehrotra@undp.org